| About Us But Not About Us | |
| Director: | Jun Robles Lana |
| Producer: |
|
| Cinematography: | Neil Daza |
| Editing: | Lawrence S. Ang |
| Music: | Teresa Barrozo |
| Country: | Philippines |
| Language: | English Filipino |
About Us But Not About Us is a 2022 Philippine psychological drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Jun Robles Lana. The film stars Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas.[1]
The film was first released in Estonia on November 23, 2022, as one of the official entries for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where it won the Best Film award.[1] It also received a Philippine premiere on April 8, 2023, as one of the entries for the 1st Summer Metro Manila Summer Film Festival, where it won 10 awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
Eric (Romnick Sarmenta) and his student, Lancelot (Elijah Canlas) converse with each other over a meal at a restaurant unveiling secrets.[2]
About Us But Not About Us was produced under The IdeaFirst Company, Octoberian Films, and Quantum Films under the direction of Jun Lana.[5] Perci Intalan, Lana's ex-partner was the producer. Lana described the film as a "personal" project which he created during a "period of depression". Characterizing the film as "part fiction and part confessional", Lana disclosed writing for three straight days for the story of the film, drawing inspiration from his childhood trauma.[6]
The film's story is "conversational" featuring just two seated characters talking to each other in a single setting. A significant part of the story was in English.[3] About Us But Not About Us took five days to shoot, with a script reading taking place a day prior.[2]
It was shot entirely on location at the "L'Opera Ristorante" Italian Restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Makati, Manila.
The film premiered in Estonia at the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2022.[7] [1] It screened in cinemas in the Philippines as one of the eight official entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival which began on April 8, 2023.[5]
About Us But Not About Us was recognized as the Best Film in the Critics' Pick competition of the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.[1] Film critic Niki Nikitin, as an attendee of the Estonian film festival, praised the film as "masterfully orchestrated" despite having a small budget.[6] Indonesian film critic Bavner Donaldo praised this film for its stunning acting performances with an unexpected conclusion.[8]
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival | April 11, 2023 | Best Picture | About Us But Not About Us | [9] | |
| Best Director | Jun Lana | ||||
| Best Actor | Romnick Sarmenta | ||||
| Best Screenplay | Jun Lana | ||||
| Best Production Design | About Us But Not About Us | ||||
| Best Cinematography | Neil Daza | ||||
| Best Editing | Lawrence Ang | ||||
| Best Sound | About Us But Not About Us | ||||
| Best Musical Score | About Us But Not About Us | ||||
| Best Float | About Us But Not About Us | ||||
| Special Jury Prize | Elijah Canlas | ||||
| 2024 Gawad Urian Award | June 8, 2024 | Gawad Urian for Best Picture | About Us But Not About Us | [10] | |
| Gawad Urian for Best Director | Jun Lana | ||||
| Gawad Urian for Best Screenplay | Jun Lana | ||||
| Gawad Urian for Best Actor | Romnick Sarmenta | ||||
| Gawad Urian for Best Editing | Lawrence Ang | ||||
| Gawad Urian for Best Sound | Armand De Guzman | ||||
| 7th Eddys | July 7, 2024 | Best Picture | About Us But Not About Us | [11] | |
| Best Director | Jun Lana | ||||
| Best Actor | Romnick Sarmenta | ||||
| Best Screenplay | Jun Lana | ||||
| Best Editing | Lawrence Ang |